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Cherry Tomato and Basil Focaccia

Source of Recipe

From "Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Book"


Recipe Introduction

"When I had 80 pounds of tomatoes, I got creative incorporating them into meals. Sometimes I slice this loaf into squares to make sandwiches with fresh mozzarella cheese and deli meats."

List of Ingredients

â—¦  1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
â—¦  2 cups warm 2% milk (105° to 115° F)
â—¦  ¼ cup canola oil
â—¦  4 ½ teaspoon sugar
â—¦  1 teaspoon salt
â—¦  5 to 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
â—¦  2 cups cherry tomatoes
â—¦  â…“ cup olive oil
â—¦  2 tablespoons cornmeal
â—¦  3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
â—¦  1 teaspoon coarse salt
â—¦  â…› teaspoon pepper


Recipe

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine the canola oil, sugar, salt, yeast mixture, and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough (dough will be sticky).

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, fill a large saucepan two-thirds with water; bring to a boil. Cut a shallow "X" on the bottom of each tomato. Using a slotted spoon, place tomatoes, a cup at a time, in boiling water for 30 seconds or just until the skin at the "X" begins to loosen. Remove tomatoes and immediately drop them into ice water. Pull off and discard skins. Place the tomatoes in a small bowl; drizzle with oil.

Sprinkle two greased baking sheets with cornmeal; set aside. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle and place on prepared baking sheets. Using your fingertips, press several dimples into dough. Pour the tomato mixture over the dough; sprinkle with basil, coarse salt and pepper. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 425° F until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

Makes 2 loaves
(20 pieces each)